Factors associated with decline in activities of daily living in home-based medical care

We sought to explore factors associated with changes in activities of daily living (ADL) in home-based medical care (HBMC). We used data from the Observational Study of Nagoya Elderly with Home Medical Care 2, in which HBMC was provided for physical and/or mental disability. ADL were assessed using the Barthel Index and its mobility and self-care categories. Of 40 eligible participants, half were classified into an ADL decline group. The percentage with a decreased Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) score was significantly higher in the ADL decline group. Worsening of MNA-SF was significantly associated with a decline in the mobility category but not in the self-care category. ADL decline was frequently observed and was associated with worsening of nutritional status in HBMC.